Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 476
Lectionary: 476
Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature.
For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity
and to lawlessness for lawlessness,
so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
But what profit did you get then
from the things of which you are now ashamed?
For the end of those things is death.
But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God,
the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,
and its end is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature.
For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity
and to lawlessness for lawlessness,
so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness.
But what profit did you get then
from the things of which you are now ashamed?
For the end of those things is death.
But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God,
the benefit that you have leads to sanctification,
and its end is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6
R. (Ps 40:5) Blessed
are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
AlleluiaPHIL 3:8-9
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Meditation: "I came to cast fire upon the
earth"
Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his
disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather
than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here?
The fire of God's purifying love and cleansing word
The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames (Exodus 3:2). God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21-22). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols (1 Kings 18:36-39). The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13) and holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), and his righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9) and holy wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).
The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames (Exodus 3:2). God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21-22). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols (1 Kings 18:36-39). The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13) and holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), and his righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9) and holy wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).
Fire is also a sign and symbol of the presence and
power of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with
the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11-12 and Luke 3:16-17). When the Holy
Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost "tongues of
fire" appeared above their heads (Acts 2:3). We can see from both the Old
and New Testament Scriptures that God's fire purifies and cleanses to make us
clean (sins washed away) and holy (fit to offer him acceptable praise and
worship), and it inspires a reverent fear (awe in God's presence) and respect
(obeying and giving God his due) for God and for his holy word.
Loyalty unites - division separates
Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole (a figure of speech which uses strong language and exaggeration for emphasis) to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives.
Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole (a figure of speech which uses strong language and exaggeration for emphasis) to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives.
When Jesus spoke about division within families he
likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men
of his own household (Micah 7:6). The essence of Christianity is
loyalty to Jesus Christ - the Son of God and Savior of the world - a loyalty
that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us
to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or
anything else) above God is a form of idolatry.
Who do you love first and foremost?
Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
The Gospel message is good news for those who seek
pardon, peace, and the abundant life which God offers us through his Son, Jesus
Christ. Jesus offers true freedom to those who believe in him - freedom from
slavery to sin, Satan, and the oppressive forces of hatred and evil that can
destroy body, mind, and spirit. Do you listen to the voice of your Savior and
trust in his word? Commit your ways to him, obey his word, and you will find
true peace, joy, and happiness in the Lord your God.
"Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love consume me
and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you.
Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may always seek to please you
and do your will."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in
the Holy Spirit, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444
AD)
"We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is
for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full
of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its
commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who
by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of
piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed
Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy
Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the
Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his
words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot
see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's
custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to
the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent
in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE,
HOMILY 94)
THURSDAY,
OCTOBER 26, LUKE 12:49-53
Weekday
(Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1)
Weekday
(Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1)
KEY VERSE: "There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!" (v 49).
TO KNOW: John the Baptist told his followers that the Messiah would baptize with the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:16). The fire that consumed Jesus was a passion to redeem humanity from their sins ̶ a fire that would be ignited on the cross on Calvary. St. Paul knew that baptism was not just a symbolic ritual. In baptism, the Christian died to the old life and was raised to a new life in Christ (Ro 6:4). The rite of the early Church demonstrated this truth. Proselytes entered the baptismal pool stripped of their old clothing and were totally immersed in water. When the new Christian came out of the water, he or she was clothed in a white garment, a symbol of having risen with Christ (Rev 19:8). Jesus demanded radical conversion and total commitment from his disciples. Their attachment to him might even require a separation from family members who did not share their Christian faith. This dissension was described by the prophet Micah who said that a person's enemies might be of one’s own household (Micah 7:6).
TO LOVE: Do I share my faith with my family even though I might face rejection?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to live my baptismal call in everything I do.
www.togetherwithgodsword.com
Thursday 26
October 2017
Romans 6:19-23. Psalm 1:1-4, 6.
Luke 12:49-53.
Happy are
they who hope in the Lord — Psalm 1:1-4, 6.
‘Happy are
they who hope in the Lord.’
Why would Jesus seek to be the
cause of division rather than peace? Is strife and rupture necessary? Can truth
and life prevail?
Jesus is on fire with emotion,
frustrated with those who expect he has come to bring peace and light, and to
reign supreme on earth. Clearly, following him isn’t going to be a piece of
cake.
There will be people—maybe even in
our own family—who will be hostile to our beliefs. It will be lonely at times
and our hearts might be in turmoil as we struggle to remain faithful to our
God. Jesus shakes us from apathy and complacency. Our hearts are beating
faster. Do we know what we are in for?
To choose Jesus is to risk
conflict and difficulty. Lord, give us the courage to choose you each day and
face what comes our way.
BLESSED DAMIAN OF FULCHERI
Born the son of a wealthy Italian family, Damian was kidnapped as
an infant by a man who suffered from a mental illness. His parents prayed
fervently to the Virgin Mary for help, and searchers were led to the unharmed
boy by a miraculous light.
Damian later
became a Dominican priest, and he was famous for his missions throughout Italy,
during which hundreds of people were converted to the faith, and was also known
for working miracles. Many miracles were reported at his tomb in Modena,
Italy after his death in 1484.
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 12,49-53
Lectio Divina:
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Ordinary
Time
1)
Opening prayer
Almighty
and everlasting God,
our
source of power and inspiration,
give
us strength and joy
in
serving you as followers of Christ,
who
lives and reigns
with
you and the Holy Spirit,ou
one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2)
Gospel Reading - Luke 12,49-53
Jesus
said to his disciples: 'I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish
it were blazing already!
There
is a baptism I must still receive, and what constraint I am under until it is
completed! 'Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell
you, but rather division. For from now on, a household of five will be divided:
three against two and two against three; father opposed to son, son to father,
mother to daughter, daughter to mother, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law,
daughter-in-law to mother-in-law.'
3)
Reflection
•
The Gospel today gives us some phrases of Jesus. The first one on bringing fire
to the earth is only in Luke’s Gospel. The others have more or less parallel
phrases in Matthew. This leads us to the problem of the origin of the
composition of these two Gospels for which much ink has already been used
throughout the past two centuries. This problem will only be solved fully when
we will be able to speak with Matthew and Luke, after our resurrection.
•
Luke 12, 49-50: Jesus has come to bring fire on earth. “I have come to bring
fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I
must still receive, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!” The
image of fire is frequently mentioned in the Bible and does not have just one
meaning. It could be the image of devastation and punishment, but it can also
be the image of purification and illumination (Is 1, 25; Zc 13, 9). It can also
express protection as it appears in Isaiah: “Should you pass through fire, you
will not suffer” (Is 43, 2). John the Baptist baptized with water, but after
him Jesus baptized with fire (Lk 3, 16). Here the image of fire is associated
to the action of the Holy Spirit who descends at Pentecost as the image of the
tongues of fire (Ac 2, 2-4). Images and symbols never have an obligatory sense,
totally defined, which does not allow some divergence. In this case it would be
neither image nor symbol. It is proper to the symbol to arouse the imagination
of the listeners and onlookers. Leaving freedom to the listeners, the image of
fire combined with the image of baptism indicates the direction toward which
Jesus wants people to turn their imagination. Baptism is associated with the
water and it is always the expression of a commitment. At another point, Baptism
appears like the symbol of the commitment of Jesus with his Passion: “Can you
be baptized with the baptism with which I will be baptized?” (Mc 10, 38-39).
•
Luke 12, 51-53: Jesus has come to bring division. Jesus always speaks of peace
(Mt 5, 9; Mk 9, 50; Lk 1, 79; 10, 5; 19, 38; 24, 36; Jn 14, 27; 16, 33; 20,
21.26). So how can we understand the phrase in today’s Gospel which seems to
say the contrary? “Do you think that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I
tell you , but rather division”. This affirmation does not mean that Jesus
himself is in favor of division. No! Jesus did not want division. But the
announcement of truth that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah becomes a reason
for much division among the Jews. In the same family or community, some were in
favor and others were radically against. In this sense, the Good News of Jesus
was really a source of division , a “sign of contradiction” (Lk 2, 34), or as
Jesus said: “from now on a household will be divided, father opposed to son,
son to father, mother to daughter, daughter to mother, mother-in-law to
daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law to mother-in-law”. That is what was happening
in the families and in the communities Much division and much discussion as a
consequence of the Good News among the Jews of that time, with some accepting
and others denying. The same thing could be applied to the announcement of
fraternity as a supreme value of humanity living together. Not all agreed with
this announcement because they preferred to maintain their privileges. And for
this reason, they were not afraid to persecute those who announced sharing and
fraternity. This was the division which arose which was at the origin of the
Passion and death of Jesus. Jesus wants the union of all in truth (cf. Jn 17,
17-23). It is like this even now. Many times where the Church is renewed, the
call of the Good News becomes a “sign of contradiction” and division. Persons
who lived very comfortably for years in the routine of their Christian life do
not want to be disturbed or bothered by the “innovations” of Vatican Council
II. Disturbed by changes, they use all their intelligence to find arguments to
defend their own opinions and to condemn the changes, considering them contrary
to what they think is their true faith.
4) Personal questions
•
Seeking union Jesus was the cause of division. Does this happen with you today?
•
How do I react before the changes in the Church?
5) Concluding prayer
Shout
for joy, you upright;
praise
comes well from the honest.
Give
thanks to Yahweh on the lyre,
play
for Him on the ten-stringed lyre. (Ps 33,1-2)
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